Equality

Equality and equity at work is a core trade union value. Discrimination based on not only gender but also on class, race, ethnicity, age, gender identity, disability, indigenous status, migration status and the intersection of these characteristics, still pervade the world of work, as does gender-based violence and harassment. Progress for women has stalled and discrimination, harassment and violence are on the rise again.

Trade unions are working towards the full realisation of women’s rights and protections. Through collective empowerment and women’s equal representation in union leadership, through new regulation and the enforcement of existing regulations and through continued accountability, we can end discrimination and abuse.

The advancement of Sustainable Development Goals 5 (gender equality) and 8 (decent work) is central to our plans.

News

On May 17, International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), the Council of Global Unions, a group of independent trade union organizations that represent over 200 million workers around the world, reaffirm our commitment to building respect and dignity for all workers. We believe every worker is entitled to work free from discrimination and violence regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex characteristics.

The COVID-19 pandemic reveals once again the critical importance of wide ratification of C190 * Recent and upcoming days of action * Updates on national ratification processes * Union campaigns around the world * ITUC campaign resources

Solidarity works! Let us step up our lobby and advocacy campaigns to achieve a maximum number of ratifications this year. In this newsletter, you will find out how unions from a number of countries across the world – from Chile to Ukraine, Nigeria to Germany, Namibia to Sri Lanka – are campaigning for the ratification of C190.

Today, on International Migrants Day, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) acknowledges the enormous contribution of migrants to economic, cultural and social life. According to the UN, some 270 million people, or around 3.5% of the world’s population today, are migrants.